I'm not really one to make resolutions but I do have many good intentions—a kinder, gentler word with less guilt attached for not following through. A cop out before getting started? Maybe. Not likely, though, when it comes to the grandma-related intentions I have for the coming new year because I fully intend to:

• Be more active—with my grandchildren, for my grandchildren.

• Print and display more of the thousands of photos I'm likely to take in the coming year (plus some of those from past years that sit in digital limbo).

• Seek out opportunities, activities, experiences to encourage compassion, gratitude, grace in my grandchildren.

• Regularly mail homemade goodies to my grandchildren so they get to know the wonders and love that comes from Gramma’s oven despite the hundreds of miles between my home and theirs.

• Stop expecting immediate feedback, thanks, and notification of receipt for those gifts and goodies I send.

• Stifle—possibly even eradicate—envy of my grandsons' other grandmas.

• Dedicate more time to outdoor pursuits with my grandsons to balance out the amount of time we spend on indoor activities such as reading, watching movies, playing games, cooking, and making crafts.

• Stop lamenting the miles that separate us and make the most of the high-saturation moments we do have together.

• Actively pursue activities, hobbies, opportunities that have absolutely nothing to do with being a grandma—which makes for a better, more interesting grandma.

Today's question:

What are some of your good intentions for the new year?